First look inside Chester Zoo's new wedding and events venue

The luxury 200-capacity venue, The Square, has opened following a three-year project to restore a Grade II-listed stable block, which has stood at the heart of the zoo since it opened in 1931. The original structures were once home to some of the zoo’s first animals including lions, bears and chimpanzees, but in recent years had been largely obscured behind newer developments.

The historic Grade II-listed building has been lovingly restored.

Now, following a major revamp, the historic building offers a unique setting for weddings, with couples able to tie the knot surrounded by 27,000 animals.

The venue can also be booked exclusively for meetings and corporate events, while the zoo hopes it will go on to stage important global summits on wildlife conservation.

Couples can now tie the knot at Chester Zoo's luxury new wedding venue, The Square.

Featuring a host of preserved original features that tell the story of its remarkable history, the building boasts an impressive gated entrance, a large private courtyard, exposed brick walls, vaulted rafters and large windows overlooking newly created gardens.

Many of the patterns and textures used throughout The Square draw inspiration from some of the endangered species the zoo is working to protect.

The zoo hopes its new events venue, The Square, will stage important global summits on wildlife conservation.

Zoo conservationists say income generated by every occasion held at The Square will contribute to the zoo’s charitable efforts to prevent extinction.

Jamie Christon, CEO at Chester Zoo, said: “There’s nothing else quite like this stunning new venue anywhere in the UK. It’s an incredible building that’s stood at the heart of the zoo for approaching a century and, through careful restoration, it’s now been brought to life.

"It’s a one-of-a-kind space which not only embodies the zoo’s rich history and character, but offers modern luxuries and comforts. And what’s more, who wouldn’t want to get married or have a company away day surrounded by 27,000 animals?

The original building has stood at the heart of Chester Zoo for nearly a century and was home to bears, lions and chimpanzees.

“Most importantly, each and every occasion that takes place at The Square will contribute to our charitable mission to prevent extinction, helping us to secure a brighter future for wildlife worldwide. That’s what makes our new venue incredibly special and we can’t wait to start welcoming people to it.”

The Atrium, the main event room inside The Square, can accommodate 200 guests while three other reception and breakout rooms take the total capacity of the building to 380.

The zoo hopes its new events venue, The Square, will stage important global summits on wildlife conservation. (Image: Chester Zoo.)

Each of the rooms can be used independently or used in combination, giving the building the flexibility to be able to host any type of event, large or small.